How to Choose the Best Wheelchair Cushion?
Foam, Gel, Air or LiquiCell Membranes?
If you are planning to change the wheelchair cushion of your family member or friend, it is imperative to do thorough research on the best foam wheelchair cushions available in the market that suits their needs. Find out about the quality of material, thickness of the foam, ease of maintenance, and resilience. Take feedback from previous users and make a decision. Also, note other factors like budget into consideration before making the final call. You can explore other options with advanced technology that can enhance their comfort level and offer them relief from back pain, even if they are sitting in a wheelchair for hours!
A Foam Wheelchair cushion is just what the name says. Some kind of foam, most of the time a molded foam with a cover. Molded foam tends to seem firm but inside it squishes. So, after one is sitting for a while the cushion effect is not there and the vertical pressure from sitting creates pressure points. To avoid these pressure points, one shifts to the left or right and this misaligns the spine, hip and neck causing a myriad of issues.
Gel Wheelchair Cushion. At first thought it seems like a good idea. A soft gel material on top of some kind of molded foam. But in the long run, this soft gel gets hard and eventually starts breaking up with the heat and pressure. Here again the molded foam settles and does not support one for long sitting.
Air Cushions. Are they the answer? Air Cushions got popular for wheelchair users because they don’t have the issues that are mentioned above of the Foam and Gel Cushions. The challenge with the Air cushions is that eventually the air starts leaking just like in automobile tires. If this leak is not noticed or addressed in time, the person sitting on it, especially in wheelchairs who don’t have an inkling that the air pressure is low develop lower hip pain what shoots up the spine and neck causing pain and discomfort. Besides there is always pressure when sitting on the air chambers one the edges on the ridges that stops the blood flow. One is always aware of this pressure when sitting on Air Cushions.
LiquiCell Technology – Better than Gel, Foam and Air. Ergo21 Seat Cushions utilize the LiquiCell Membranes. 4 membranes are hand stitched on a piece of cloth and placed on top of a high resilience foam. The Membranes come in between the sitting bones and surface thus eliminating hot spot and vertical pressure. This is illustrated in the LiquiCell Technology video. The foam used here is open cell foam that does not squish but at the same time provide the support and comfort needed for long-term sitting. That’s the reason most airplane seating use the open cell phone. This requires proper stitching of the cover, but it is worth it when comfort is needed.
How to Select the Best Wheelchair Cushion?
Choosing the best wheelchair cushion is an important task as it can drastically change the condition of the patient using the cushion. Try to understand the position in which the cushion will be used. Find out about the shape of the cushion and factors, such as coccyx cutout, anti-thirst, cushioning, versatility, effect on pressure sores, weight-bearing capacity, thickness, type of filling, etc. Once you are clear about all these factors, you can choose from a wide range of products available in the market. Ergo21 wheelchair cushion is a great option as it features advanced LiquiCell technology and is available in 5 sizes. It is versatile and can be used as recreational scooters, mobility scooters, transport and sports wheelchairs.
Coccyx cut out cushions are not recommended for wheelchairs, recliners or cars. Why? Because one is not able to move and position oneself on these kind of seating. Coccyx cushion can be used for short period of time when there is a tail bone injury and when one feels that they need more cushioning all over then switch to the Ergo21 Sports, Original or Travel cushion. The Ergo21 Sports cushion is a rectangle design well suited for wheelchairs and the Ergo21 Original or the Travel works best on Mobility scooters, cars, trucks and suv’s where the seats are designed like Bucket seats. The Ergo21 Travel also works well as a Lumbar Cushion for the back in wheelchairs where the Ergo21 Lumbar cushion causes one to sit too forward. The Small Ergo21 Lumbar Cushion is good for wheelchairs and low back office or dining chairs. The large Ergo21 Lumbar Cushion works well on Mobility Scooters, Recliners, sofa and driving comfort.
What are the most common types of wheelchair cushion?
Wheelchair cushions are essential for those struggling with different health issues or those recovering from spinal injuries. Depending upon the type of injury, you can choose from a range of wheelchair cushions that support the pressure points and distribute the pressure evenly in the leg muscles. Available in different sizes and weight capacities, select from a range of original wheelchair cushion, sports wheelchair cushion, lumbar cushion, coccyx cushion, suitable for every seat! These pillows do not interfere with positioning and stability and are great tools to improve the quality of life. Choose the best wheelchair cushion after consulting a clinician who can suggest you the best type of pillow as per your health condition.
Now is the time for you to leave behind your tired and achy backside with the help of our Ergo21 Extreme Comfort Seat Cushion! Featuring the power of our advanced Ergo21 LiquiCell Technology, our cushions makes it possible for you to sit for hours upon hours; without the aches or soreness you dread.
